For the group's first album, Adam and David added bassist Matt Malley, multi-instrument talent Charlie Gillingham, and drummer Steve Bowman. David Immergluck served as the second guitarist on the first album, but he did not officially join the band until 1999. Guitarist Dan Vickery was added just as the band set out on their first tour. As stated before, 'August and Everything After' provided the band with a surprise yet very welcome success, garnering them critical praise. Released on September 14, 1993 through Geffen Records, the album hit #2 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart, showing that their tunes had tapped into something.
Counting Crows, with their intimate and confessional yet smooth, often catchy musical approach, achieved a large fan base among melodic rock fans over the years. Their 90s acclaim reflected that a significant music scene looked for something different from the raging guitars of the Seattle-based grunge movement as well as from either boilerplate pop music or the budding electronic music subgenres. The group kept on releasing new songs into the new millennium.
The band's more recent successes include the 2004 hit song "Accidentally In Love", which was featured on the Shrek 2 soundtrack (that has sold over 1,000,000 copies). That song has also garnered nominations for a Grammy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award. That same year, the band released their first ever best of set, which they titled 'Films about Ghosts'. That album features songs from every phase of the Counting Crows' recording career. To date, the band has sold over 20 million albums worldwide.
The group made the news when 'Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings' was released on March 25th, 2008. In addition, on January 16, 2008, the band released a digital EP as a free download on their official web site, consisting of the songs "1492" and "When I Dream Of Michelangelo". The lead single from the album was "You Can't Count On Me", which was released for radio play on February 4, 2008.
The album itself is thematically and stylistically divided into two parts: the first, more rock-influenced Saturday Nights, and the second, more country-influenced Sunday Mornings. Theme changes along with style; in the Sunday Mornings portion of the album, songs become more reflective. The iTunes release contains several bonus tracks, including a track-by-track interview with Duritz.
Members of the band:
Adam Duritz - lead vocals, piano, wurlitzer, tamborine
David Bryson - guitars, dobro, vocals
Charles Gillingham - piano, organ, accordion, mellotron, vocals
Dan Vickery - guitars, sitar, banjo, vocals
David Immergluck - guitars, bass, electric sitar, mandolin, vocals
Jim Bogios - drums, percussion loops, vocals
Millard Powers - bass guitar, upright bass, piano, vocals
Ex-members of the band:
Matt Malley - guitars, double bass, vocals
Ben Mize - drums, percussion, tambourine, bulbs, vocals
Steve Bowman - drums, vocals
Ben Ulrich - drums
Marty Jones - bass guitar
Lydia Holly - keyboards
Toby Hawkins - drums
Albums
August And Everything After - (September 14, 1993)
Recovering The Satellites - (October 14, 1996)
Across a Wire - Live in New York City - (1998)
This Desert Life - (November 1, 1999)
Hard Candy - (July 8, 2002)
Films About Ghosts: The Best Of - (November 25, 2003)
*New Amsterdam: Live At Heineken Music Hall - (June 19, 2006)
August And Everything After, Deluxe Edition - (Fall 2007)
Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings - (March 25, 2008)
Somewhere Under Wonderland - (September 2, 2014)
The Ballad of El Goodo
Counting Crows Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I've been trying hard against unbelievable odds
It gets so hard in times like now to hold on
But guns they wait to be stuck by, at my side is God
And there ain't no one going to turn me 'round
There ain't no one going to turn me 'round
There's people around who tell you that they know
They'll zip you up and dress you down and stand you in a row
But you know you don't have to, you can just say no
And there ain't no one going to turn me 'round
There ain't no one going to turn me 'round
There ain't no one going to turn me 'round
There ain't no one going to turn me 'round
I've been built up and trusted, broke down and busted
But they'll get theirs and we will get ours if we can
Just hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on
Years ago my heart was set to live, oh
And I've been trying hard against strong odds
It gets so hard at times like now to hold on
But I'll fall if I don't fight, and at my side is God
And there ain't no one going to turn me 'round
There ain't no one going to turn me 'round
There ain't no one going to turn me 'round
There ain't no one going to turn me 'round
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on
"The Ballad of El Goodo" is a song by Counting Crows that tells a story of perseverance and staying true to oneself despite the struggles of life. The lyrics are about the challenges of life and how difficult it can be to hold on during tough times. The singer speaks of trying hard against unbelievable odds, but having faith in God to help him through. The metaphor of guns waiting to be stuck by implies that one must always be prepared for challenges that may come their way.
The song's chorus is an anthem of determination, with the singer resolving not to be turned around by anyone, no matter what they say or do. He has been built up and trusted, as well as broken down and busted, but he believes that eventually, justice will come and things will fall into place. This message of holding on and not giving up in the face of adversity is universal and resonates with many listeners.
Overall, "The Ballad of El Goodo" is a reflection on the struggles of life and the need to hold fast to one's beliefs and values, no matter what may come. It is a powerful and inspiring song that encourages listeners to keep going even when the going gets tough.
Line by Line Meaning
Years ago, my heart was set to live, oh
Long ago, I had a strong motivation to live life to the fullest.
And I've been trying hard against unbelievable odds
Despite facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, I have persevered.
It gets so hard in times like now to hold on
During difficult times, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep going.
But guns they wait to be stuck by, at my side is God
Life is unpredictable and dangerous, but I find comfort in my faith.
And there ain't no one going to turn me 'round
I am determined and no one can sway me from my path.
There's people around who tell you that they know
There will always be those who claim to have all the answers.
And places where they send you, and it's easy to go
Society expects certain actions from us, and often it's easier to obey than to resist.
They'll zip you up and dress you down and stand you in a row
Conformity is valued by society, forcing individuals to fit into strict molds.
But you know you don't have to, you can just say no
There is always a choice, and one can choose to resist conformity.
I've been built up and trusted, broke down and busted
Life has presented me with moments of success and moments of failure.
But they'll get theirs and we will get ours if we can
Those who work hard and stay true will eventually reap rewards.
Just hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on
Through hardship, it's important to keep fighting and never give up.
And there ain't no one going to turn me 'round
My determination remains steadfast.
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on
Keep holding on and never lose hope.
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on
Remain strong, don't give up, and keep pushing forward.
Hold on, hold on
Never give up and keep holding on.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALEX CHILTON, CHRISTOPHER BELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind